The Leman Russ Exterminator is one of the most common Leman Russ variants, and although it surrenders the ability to effectively combat enemy armour, it is an extremely effective anti-infantry vehicle. The Leman Russ Exterminator is capable of laying down a withering hail of fire. The Exterminator's Autocannon shells can tear through a lightly armoured chassis as easily as they rip through flesh and bone. Though lacking the long range of some other tank variants, the Leman Russ Exterminator is capable of devastating whole ranks of enemy infantry before they have reached the Astra Militarum lines.

Due to the tank's main weapon being much smaller and lighter than the Battle Cannon normally carried on the Leman Russ, the Exterminator is slightly faster than most Imperial battle tanks, and this quality allows it to be used as a heavy reconnaissance vehicle. During times of need Imperial commanders have used the high rate of fire of the Exterminator as an effective if crude anti-aircraft weapon, although it lacks the elevation required to provide adequate cover from enemy air attacks.

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Armament

A Leman Russ Exterminator advancing through a urban battlefield

The Leman Russ Exterminator is equipped with a set of turret-mounted Twin-linkedAutocannons, which makes it an extremely effective anti-infantry tank. In order to capitalise on the tank's ability to engage enemy infantry, many Exterminators are also equipped with sponson-mounted Heavy Bolters in addition to its hull-mounted Heavy Bolter. When equipped with nothing but rapid-firing weapons the Exterminator is capable of engaging and destroying entire armies of lightly-equipped foes, such as Ork mobs or Tyranid swarms. Like any other Leman Russ variant, the Exterminator is also able to be equipped with a hull-mounted Lascannon. Leman Russ tanks that are a part of an unusually well-equipped armoured regiment sometimes have 2 Multi-Meltas or 2 Plasma Cannons as their sponson weapons. The tank can also be equipped with Camouflage Netting, Extra Armour Plating, a Hunter-Killer Missile Launcher, improved communications equipment, a mine sweeper, a pintle-mountedHeavy Stubber or Storm Bolter, track guards, rough terrain modifications, a Dozer Blade, and Smoke Launchers.

Notable Users of the Leman Russ Exterminator

A Leman Russ Exterminator crosses no-man's-land during the Siege of Vraks

Imperial Guard - The Leman Russ Exterminator is used by the Imperial Guard as a powerful anti-infantry and heavy reconnaissance tank.

Planetary Defence Forces - The Leman Russ Exterminator is used by Planetary Defence Forces stationed on many Imperial worlds.

The Lost and the Damned - The Lost and the Damned is the name collectively given to the multitude of beings that have turned to Chaos over the millennia, the vast majority of whom are the ordinary mortals who fight for Chaos. They are not a single coherent force, but rather a diverse and infinite collection of war-bands and hosts under the leadership of Chaos Champions. These forces take their weapons and vehicles with them, and as many of them were former members of the Imperial Guard or Planetary Defence Forces, they make use of an unknown number of Leman Russ Exterminator tanks.

Space Wolves Space Marine Chapter - The Space WolvesSpace MarineChapter have several Leman Russ Exterminators in their arsenal in honour of their Primarch, Leman Russ. It is unknown if they are in possession of any other Leman Russ variants. The Space Wolves rarely field their Leman Russ tanks, but when they do it is to great effect.